Mama Love

I'm lucky.

I was born to a mom who, even through a last minute C-Section, loved me. Even through my tom-boy ways, my aversion to shopping ('but honey, this would look cute, if you just tried it on...') and my disinterest with children ('but Chels, Raina is just so cute... You have to see her and you'll want one...') my mama still loves me. Even with my strong Papa's Girl ways, she put up with my 'always on dad's side' opinion.

Normally, the next step in a daughter's life is having a child for your mom and dad to dote on. In my case, I'm just not that into it. That's a big thing for a mom to accept.

My mom, in a word, is amazing.

But my Mama Love doesn't stop there.

I am lucky enough (I'm not sure 'lucky' precisely explains my fortune) to have a Mama 2. My Mama 2 just celebrated a birthday milestone. She successfully raised THREE boys (I know how hard it is to have ONE brother, let alone THREE Boys).

Just yesterday, we partied down for Mama 2's big Five-Oh!

A woman who is perpetually young at heart, fabulous in spirit and caring in action, finally had a party in her honor. I told you how I was lucky enough to have a fantastic mom, I am doubly lucky to have a Mama 2 that cares about me and will help me find my way, no matter what.

My mom and I have had to work through things nobody should.

Losing a father is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. (Even GDub. For reals.)

My mom and I tried to find our way and my Mama 2 was there; through the tears, the hurt and the pain. She lost her dad at too young, and even through a sadness that never fades, she was able to focus on my mom and I and help us try to navigate the maze that is loss. Even on that cliche day, when heads are shaved, Mama 2 was there, trying to comfort us even though we knew it might be the beginning of the end.

So through our loss, we became closer. We had each other. And we still do. And my Mama Love doesn't end there.

Today, we celebrated Mama Shupe's big 5-5. I picked a man who has a mom that not only survived bringing up boys (big bro Shupe pushing middle bro Shupe off the deck, middle bro Shupe having his arm ripped off in wrestling, little bro Shupe coming as a surprise 13 years later), but is so sweet, she always thinks about you before she thinks about herself. With our wine today, I realized how fortunate I am to know another strong, capable, caring woman.

That's not it for the Mama Love....

Last night, I had many of my most influencial ladies in tow.

Ms. Coralene, who I've shared many special glasses of champagne with and learned what it's like to really care about those you love, including our furry friends.

Ms. Debbie, who has been tough enough to raise two wild boys and one fabulous girl, and put up with a super-fun husband and not lost her spunk.

Ms. Di, who has been a bright light on every Jeep trip I've been lucky enough to go on.

Ms. Janet, who shows me that even when you're staring down 50 and single, your fabulousness can catch you a great guy and a wonderful, fun, exciting life, with no regrets.

Ms. Beckie, who puts up with my mom's theft of her husband for household chores at the Hillsdale Irvine Casa.

And the impressive female idol-hood I experience doesn't end there.

My boss is lucky enough to have one of the most caring, sincere, fun, loving and compassionate wives I know. Their son, Jack Man, is one of the few little ones that I hang out with that makes me actually think about having one of my own.

Ally, who I was fortunate enough to know through Shupie, is the epitome of what a mother should be. Surprised with twins, she has taken motherhood in stride and raised a pair of beautiful, well-behaved, fun and adventurous children that would make any parents envious.

Not to mention that Shupe has a brother and sister-in-law that have two great girls, yet still have their own lives. Amy, I must know how you do it.

I know there are many that I missed, but I feel like I got my point across. It's not my thing, but don't let that fool you into thinking I'm not impressed, Moms. Your job is hard. Your job is trying. Your job is 24/7. You job never ends.

I. Am. In. Aww.